We are proud to announce the return of our telecommunication staff member, Amber, from her enlightening mission experience in Kenya, Africa. This January, Amber answered God’s calling to spread his word in Africa for 3 weeks. We had the chance to sit down with Amber upon her return so that we could extract the ingrained memories of her cultural and spiritual life-changing experience.
Amber’s Calling
When she was merely 14 years old, Amber recalls God placing Africa within her heart. With this awareness, she continuously told herself “I am going to Africa,” manifesting her own reality that was put into action by the pieces that were laid out for her. At 19 years old, Amber regularly attended a life group on Sundays at Shepherd’s Grove, where she told the pastor that she had a heart for Africa. Her plans were put into place when the pastor told Amber that he met a girl whose parents are pastors who own an orphanage and widow center in Kenya. By placing the girls into communication with one another, Amber was offered the opportunity to visit this amazing family. It didn’t take long for Amber to agree to this transformational mission that she had been manifesting for 3 years. 6 months later, with the unwavering support of everyone at Shepherd’s Grove, she made her first step into the embodiment of her mission.
The Arrival
After a lengthy flight to Nairobi, Kenya, and a 7-hour bus ride to Migori, Amber arrived and was greeted by an immense amount of love. From there, she was welcomed into the home of 2 pastors with warm, open hearts, who were elated to share their space. Amber spent most of her time in Migori working with the orphans and widows, offering them love, laughter, and the word of God. “They watch the Hour of Power every Sunday, in their little home on a tiny TV” Amber says in shock, repeatedly. “They were so thankful that they had a visitor, but they were even more thankful that this visitor came from Hour of Power.”
The Lifestyle
What surprised Amber the most about the atmosphere was that, despite their poor quality of life, for people who have nothing, they want to give you everything. Upon entering each house, Amber was showered with kindness and food offerings, to a nearly overwhelming point. “They love you and they don’t even know you,” she reminisces. “They don’t look at your appearance. All they know is that this person is sent by God.”
The Culture
The most spectacular element of the Migori culture that Amber wishes she could share with us is the way that they worship. She describes the way that they sing and dance to show their love and gratitude as incredibly free. “I wish people could see that! It would give us a fire. They don’t care what people think about them.” She was fascinated to know the impact that Hour of Power has on their daily lives, and how grateful they are to be alive in God’s love.
Amber’s Perspective
Having known that Africa had been placed in her heart at an early age, Amber’s perspective strengthened even more after returning from her journey. “God can use anyone” Amber reassures us, beaming with honesty and nostalgia. “It doesn’t matter what nation you’re from, what language you speak, where you’re at—everyone needs God’s love.”
As the impact of the love and hospitality Amber experienced throughout her journey weighs freshly on her heart and mind, it is evident that this will not be her last trip to Africa. We are confident that she will continue to spread the word of God and Hour of Power’s mission of love and dignity all over the world, wherever her heart takes her. God loves you Amber, and so do we.